Ideas for your well-being
In my recent Blog, I promised to share some ideas, as well as things that I am able to do for my well-being. These are just a few ideas of things that many of us could do to improve our own well-being, and just as importantly, the well-being of others. For more ideas from others simply go to the Wheel of Well-being (www.wheelofwellbeing.org).
Today’s topic is Spirit: give
“Did you know that giving to others does amazing things like reducing your blood pressure and improving your sleep? Practicing random acts of kindness, volunteering time, or simply saying ‘thank-you’ all work wonders for your well-being.”
Some simple things that I enjoy include:
Random Acts of Kindness – I have kindness cards that I leave – I like to encourage others to also engage in random acts of kindness. Or simply be aware of the idea. I’ve left fruit for a person sleeping rough (just in a bag beside them, with the kindness card); I’ve paid for coffees, leaving $5 and a card - $5 because then there is also a tip for the staff. One time I cheated just a little, and in a kind hearted way – I specified who the coffee was for and insisted that it be anonymous. Why? Because my neighbour had just died, and his Dad was doing it tough – really, really, tough. So the coffee was for him. I watched as he crossed the road with his coffee, crying at the gesture.
Volunteering. I am doing some online mentoring of a student through The Smith Family. She is amazing, and I have gotten so much satisfaction in supporting her in just this small way, in a one hour a week session.
Mentoring. I currently volunteer my time to mentor two young men – very different people at very different stages of their careers. My last mentee is an extraordinary young woman who is going on to make a huge impact in the not for profit sector. I am thrilled to have played such a small part in her journey, and every time I think about our work together it brings a smile to my face.
Engaging with my young neighbours, the children of the man who died. They are quite taken with my pets and so every now and again I invite them over to pat the dogs. They enjoy it, it makes me laugh, and it gives their mother 10 minutes of peace and quiet.